The Odyssey Important Characters in The Odyssey Book

The Odyssey Important Characters in The Odyssey

Book 9

Odysseus Hero of The Odyssey Wife: Penelope Son: Telemachus Great soldier of the war Came up with the wooden-horse trick that lead to Troy’s collapse. Odysseus fought among the other Greek heroes at Troy and struggles to return to his kingdom in Ithaca.

Penelope Wife of Odysseus and mother of Telemachus. Penelope spends her days in the palace longing for her husband.

Calypso (ka-lip-so) A sea goddess who lives on the island of Ogygia. Holds Odysseus prisoner for 7 years.

Alcinous (al-sin-o-es) The king of the Phaeacians. Provides Odysseus a safe passage back to Ithaca.

Laertes (lay-er-teez) Odysseus’ father

Circe (sur-se) A witch-goddess who lives on the island of Aeaea. Transforms Odysseus’ crew into swine.

Zeus The chief of the Greek gods and goddess. Father of Athena and Apollo.

Cicones Allies of the Trojans, who live at Ismarus.

Lotus Eaters Inhabitants of a land Odysseus visits.

Cyclopes A race of one-eyed giants; an individual member of the race is a Cyclops. Polyphemus

Apollo The god of music, poetry, prophecy, and medicine.

Poseidon The god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses. Father of Cyclops who battles Odysseus.

Book 9 Review What is Odysseus’ ultimate destination? He wants to get home to his wife and son in Ithaca. What does Odysseus think of the way Cyclopes lives? He thinks that the Cyclopes are wild and savage. How does Odysseus injure Polyphemus? He puts out his eye with a heated spike.

Vocabulary Check Identify the synonym for each word. 1. Ponderous Delicate Fun Heavy 2. Adversary Partner Enemy Ally Enemy 3. Avenge Revenge Forgive Sympathize Revenge 4. Disdain Admire Hatred Praise Hatred

Book 10 Characters

Aeolus The guardian of the winds.

Laestrygones (les-trig-o-neez) Cannibal inhabitants of a distant land.

Eurylochus (you-ril-o-kes) A trusted officer of Odysseus.

Hermes Messenger of the gods.

Persephone (per-sef-uh-nee) The wife of the ruler of the underworld.

Tiresias (tahy-ree-see-uhs) A blind prophet whose spirit of Odysseus visits in the underworld.

Book 10 Review What happens to Eurylochus’ men after they drink Circe’s wine? They turn into pigs and forget all thoughts of home. How is Odysseus able to withstand Circe’s magic? He uses the magical plant to keep himself free from Circe’s spell. After a year of Circe’s hospitality who convinces Odysseus that it is time to depart? His shipmates

Vocabulary Check Whom would you expect to act with stealth- A spy, a surgeon, or a firefighter? A spy If you’re feeling disconsolate, are you happy, sad, or angry? Sad Would a beguiling person disgust other people, attract other people, or bore other people? Attract other people

More Vocabulary! Would you expect someone known as a contender to compete, to surrender, or to cooperate? To compete Does someone ready to succumb in a struggle say “Charge, ” “Take that, ” or “I give up”? “I give up”

Book 12 Characters

Sirens Creatures, part woman and part bird, whose songs lure sailors to their death.

Scylla A six-headed sea monster who devours sailors.

Charybdis (ke-rib-dis) A dangerous whirlpool personified as a female monster.

Helios God of Sun Raises his cattle on the Land of the Golden Cattle.

Book 12 Review At the beginning of the episode, where have Odysseus and his men been? The underworld and to Circe’s island How does Odysseus manage to hear the Sirens safely? He has himself tied to the mast. How do Odysseus’ men anger the sun god? They kill and eat his cattle.

Vocabulary Check Match the phrase in the 1 st column to its similar meaning in the 2 nd column. Lurk on the left E Traveling in one’s dream C Designed to dwindle B A terrifying blaze A Mental anguish D A. A dire fire B. made to fade C. questing while resting D. brain pain E. hide on one side

Book 21 -23

Antinous and Eurymachus Suitors of Penelope.

Telemachus Odysseus’ son.

Philoetius(cowherd) and Eumaeus (swineherd) Trusted servants in Odysseus’ household.

Eurycleia (yur-i-klaya) An old female servant, still loyal to Odysseus.

Journal (8 -10 sentences) NTS Rule! Some people say that Odysseus’ revenge was justified by how long he and his family have suffered. Others believe his response was too severe and he did not show any mercy. Was Odysseus justified in his revenge?